Long-time area naturalist Melissa Walker recently became the new president of Friends of
Garden of the Gods (FOGG).
She replaces John Demmon, who had held the position for five years. “Inspired by the
leadership of John Demmon, I now aspire to continue FOGG's mission of preservation and
education with the help of a very effective board [of directors] and so many dedicated
FOGG members and volunteers,” Walker writes in the Summer 2014 edition of volunteer
group's FOGGhorn newsletter.

Melissa Walker

Other newly elected officers on the FOGG board are Joan Skoog, vice president; Donna
Becker, secretary; and Paul Roberts, treasurer. Demmon will stay on the board in the
position of “past president.”
“The winter issue of the FOGGhorn included a list of FOGG's many
accomplishments,” writes Walker (who also authors occasional nature columns that appear
in the Westside Pioneer). “This spring, FOGG has been adding to that list. The
highlights are:
“1. Park restoration: FOGG is financially supporting the Rocky Mountain Field
Institute's restoration of the eroded and trampled areas surrounding the
Jaycee Plaza at the east base of North Gateway Rock…
“2. Park preservation: FOGG Board members attended all of the public
meetings of the Camp Creek flood mitigation project and also wrote letters to lobby for
specific ways to protect the park. Fortunately, our efforts were worthwhile. Although a
detention pond will need to be built near the northeast border of the Garden, the
irreplaceable viewscape of the Gateway [Road] entrance will be preserved…
“3. Education: The park staff and volunteers have completed the spring school
field trip programs. Hundreds of children had the chance to experience the Garden first
hand. [Park Operation Manager] Bret Tennis is to be commended for working with [Rock
Ledge Ranch Manager] Andy Morris at Rock Ledge Ranch to arrange to have the groups
meet at the Ranch during the VNC's remodel. FOGG financially supports the park's
education programs.
“4. Additional park ranger: FOGG members specifically lobbied City Council
for an additional ranger for the park, and the funds were finally allocated in this year's city
budget. Larry Kitt started on May 12 and joins Ranger “Snook” Cipolletti in the hard work
of taking care of the Garden. Larry has a degree in natural resources and conservation. Be
sure to greet Larry when you see him out on the trails.”